Amentum · 2 days ago
Senior Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Engineer
Houston, TX
Part-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
15+ years expAmentum is seeking a part-time Senior Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) Engineer to provide technical leadership and strategic insight in support of current and next-generation spacecraft programs. The role involves leading the development and qualification of advanced TPS materials, overseeing high-enthalpy testing campaigns, and mentoring junior engineers while ensuring TPS integration aligns with vehicle-level requirements.
Mechanical EngineeringSecurityTechnical Support
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead the development and qualification of advanced TPS materials and coatings to meet the demands of future crewed and uncrewed missions
Oversee and interpret high-enthalpy testing campaigns (arc jet, ICP torch, etc.) to validate TPS performance under extreme conditions
Develop and maintain the TPS technology roadmap, ensuring alignment with program goals and future mission needs
Serve as a technical focal point for TPS-related mission operations, including real-time anomaly resolution and risk assessment
Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the strategic planning of TPS R&D initiatives
Collaborate across disciplines to ensure TPS integration aligns with vehicle-level thermal, structural, and aerodynamic requirements
Qualification
Required
Typically, educational requirements are the equivalent of a BS with at least 15 years of experience
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution
15+ years of relevant experience in aerospace engineering, with a focus on thermal protection systems
Extensive experience in TPS design, analysis, and testing, with a deep understanding of material behavior in high-enthalpy environments
Demonstrated excellence in technical communication, including the ability to defend complex analyses and recommendations to senior stakeholders
Proven experience in TPS integration and flight certification, including system-level verification and validation processes
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency may be a requirement for this position
Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation
Preferred
Advanced knowledge of aerothermal environments, including high-temperature gas dynamics and radiative heat transfer
Familiarity with CFD tools and interpretation of flowfield data for TPS boundary conditions
Familiarity with thermal response modeling using tools such as CHAR, FIAT, or PATO
Familiarity with 3D modeling and CAD tools for TPS design and integration
Hands-on experience with ablative and reusable TPS materials, as well as hot structure technologies
Proven ability to lead or manage complex spacecraft systems or subsystems
Comfortable serving as the technical authority during mission operations, including rapid decision-making under pressure
Benefits
Excellent personal and professional career growth
9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off), when applicable
Onsite cafeteria (breakfast & lunch)
Much, much more!
Company
Amentum
Amentum is a technology and engineering company for security, defense, and energy.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$321.16M2025-03-12Post Ipo Secondary· $321.16M
2024-09-27IPO
2020-01-01Private Equity
Leadership Team
Ajay Nagar
Vice President
Darren Burton
Chief People Officer
Recent News
2025-12-29
Washington Technology
2025-12-20
2025-12-09
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